StartMail
@startmail.bsky.social
Easy-to-use encrypted email provider. ✉️
Protecting your privacy with state-of-the-art security and technology. https://www.startmail.com/signup
Protecting your privacy with state-of-the-art security and technology. https://www.startmail.com/signup
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StartMail
@startmail.bsky.social
· Apr 10
How do we know that Big Tech doesn't care about your privacy? Your privacy isn't profitable to them. You're a product and make most of their money selling your data...which is the case for every "free" product and service out there. They work for their shareholders, not for you.
Despite predictions that AI would allow them to work faster, a new study shows that utilizing AI tools made experienced devs perform tasks 20% slower on average: https://fortune.com/article/does-ai-increase-workplace-productivity-experiment-software-developers-task-took-longer/
Experienced software developers assumed AI would save them a chunk of time. But in one experiment, their tasks took 20% longer | Fortune
As more workers use AI, a recent study adds to growing evidence the tech doesn’t always deliver on promises of boosted productivity.
fortune.com
January 17, 2026 at 2:24 PM
Despite predictions that AI would allow them to work faster, a new study shows that utilizing AI tools made experienced devs perform tasks 20% slower on average: https://fortune.com/article/does-ai-increase-workplace-productivity-experiment-software-developers-task-took-longer/
Australia has begun enforcement of a new rule that requires search engines to conduct ID checks to verify the ages of their users: https://reclaimthenet.org/australia-enforces-age-id-checks-for-search-engine-users
Australia Enforces Age ID Checks for Search Engine Users
Australia’s bid for digital safety inches closer to a license-to-browse internet.
reclaimthenet.org
January 16, 2026 at 1:48 PM
Australia has begun enforcement of a new rule that requires search engines to conduct ID checks to verify the ages of their users: https://reclaimthenet.org/australia-enforces-age-id-checks-for-search-engine-users
One shocking crime has helped illuminate how OpenAI attempted to selectively hide user data after ChatGPT began enabling and fueling their mental illness: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/openai-refuses-to-say-where-chatgpt-logs-go-when-users-die/
Murder-suicide case shows OpenAI selectively hides data after users die
OpenAI accused of hiding full ChatGPT logs in murder-suicide case.
arstechnica.com
January 15, 2026 at 1:49 PM
One shocking crime has helped illuminate how OpenAI attempted to selectively hide user data after ChatGPT began enabling and fueling their mental illness: https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2025/12/openai-refuses-to-say-where-chatgpt-logs-go-when-users-die/
Having an encrypted inbox is great...but if your recipients don't use encryption, then your data could still be at risk. Luckily, StartMail users can create password protected messages that keep your info private even if your recipients use spymail. Plus they can send your encrypted replies!
January 14, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Having an encrypted inbox is great...but if your recipients don't use encryption, then your data could still be at risk. Luckily, StartMail users can create password protected messages that keep your info private even if your recipients use spymail. Plus they can send your encrypted replies!
A pioneer of AI has now issued a warning that, because bots are showing signs of self-preservation, humans need to be ready to pull the plug: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/30/ai-pull-plug-pioneer-technology-rights
AI showing signs of self-preservation and humans should be ready to pull plug, says pioneer
Canadian computer scientist Yoshua Bengio warns against granting legal rights to cutting-edge technology
www.theguardian.com
January 13, 2026 at 3:52 PM
A pioneer of AI has now issued a warning that, because bots are showing signs of self-preservation, humans need to be ready to pull the plug: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/dec/30/ai-pull-plug-pioneer-technology-rights
AI Data Centers are forcing dirty "peaker" power plants back into service, poisoning surrounding communities and raising questions of the technology's viability: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/ai-data-centers-are-forcing-obsolete-peaker-power-plants-back-into-service-2025-12-23/
AI data centers are forcing dirty ‘peaker’ power plants back into service
In Chicago’s working-class Pilsen neighborhood, a 60s-era oil-fired power plant rises up from an industrial lot behind Dvorak Park, which in warmer weather is packed with children climbing on its colo...
www.reuters.com
January 12, 2026 at 4:45 PM
AI Data Centers are forcing dirty "peaker" power plants back into service, poisoning surrounding communities and raising questions of the technology's viability: https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/ai-data-centers-are-forcing-obsolete-peaker-power-plants-back-into-service-2025-12-23/
We get the same question from so many GMail users: "why would I go through the trouble of switching away from an email that's already free and convenient?" Thing is, no email is free. And we have SO many former GMail users who wish they had made the switch sooner...so why not give us a try?
January 11, 2026 at 4:04 PM
We get the same question from so many GMail users: "why would I go through the trouble of switching away from an email that's already free and convenient?" Thing is, no email is free. And we have SO many former GMail users who wish they had made the switch sooner...so why not give us a try?
Thanks to the EU's Digital Markets Act, the upcoming version of iOS 26.3 will allow non-Apple accessories to pair and sync as easily as Apple's own accessories. https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/22/ios-26-3-dma-airpods-pairing/
iOS 26.3 Brings AirPods-Like Pairing to Third-Party Devices in EU Under DMA
The European Commission today praised the interoperability changes that Apple is introducing in iOS 26.3, once again crediting the Digital Markets Act (DMA) with bringing "new opportunities" to Europe...
www.macrumors.com
January 10, 2026 at 2:10 PM
Thanks to the EU's Digital Markets Act, the upcoming version of iOS 26.3 will allow non-Apple accessories to pair and sync as easily as Apple's own accessories. https://www.macrumors.com/2025/12/22/ios-26-3-dma-airpods-pairing/
This photo essay documents the surveillance systems that governments around the world are using to violate the rights and privacy of their citizens...along with its victims: https://apnews.com/photo-essay/chinese-surveillance-silicon-valley-tech-photo-essay-2da6d9ae5c29d973955e761fa42f7798#
PHOTO ESSAY: Invisible infrared surveillance technology and those caught in its digital cage
When you unlock a phone, step into view of a security camera or drive past a license plate reader at night, beams of infrared light - invisible to the naked eye -- shine onto the unique contours of your face, your body, your license plate lettering.
apnews.com
January 9, 2026 at 12:26 PM
This photo essay documents the surveillance systems that governments around the world are using to violate the rights and privacy of their citizens...along with its victims: https://apnews.com/photo-essay/chinese-surveillance-silicon-valley-tech-photo-essay-2da6d9ae5c29d973955e761fa42f7798#
When it comes to online surveillance, you've got more to worry about than Big Tech. Spy agencies have back doors built into some of the biggest data repositories in the world, and they also buy information from data brokers to circumvent warrants. Never let them collect that data to begin with...
January 8, 2026 at 1:48 PM
When it comes to online surveillance, you've got more to worry about than Big Tech. Spy agencies have back doors built into some of the biggest data repositories in the world, and they also buy information from data brokers to circumvent warrants. Never let them collect that data to begin with...
The State of California has launched a state-run portal where residents will be able to submit their information and have it removed from data brokers' databases. It's the first program of its kind in the world: https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/
Delete request and opt-out platform (DROP)
Protect your personal information. Data brokers collect, share, and sell your personal information. You can stop that from happening.
privacy.ca.gov
January 7, 2026 at 6:17 PM
The State of California has launched a state-run portal where residents will be able to submit their information and have it removed from data brokers' databases. It's the first program of its kind in the world: https://privacy.ca.gov/drop/
Mark Zuckerberg and others agreed to pay out an $8 billion lawsuit settlement over the Cambridge Analytica scandal, just days before they were set to testify: https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20250717-zuckerberg-settles-8-billion-lawsuit-over-cambridge-analytica-scandal-avoids-testifying
Zuckerberg settles $8 billion lawsuit over Cambridge Analytica scandal, avoids testifying
Mark Zuckerberg and current and former Meta executives agreed on Thursday to settle a $8 billion shareholder lawsuit alleging the company's directors failed to prevent billions of dollars in fines and...
www.france24.com
January 6, 2026 at 4:13 PM
Mark Zuckerberg and others agreed to pay out an $8 billion lawsuit settlement over the Cambridge Analytica scandal, just days before they were set to testify: https://www.france24.com/en/americas/20250717-zuckerberg-settles-8-billion-lawsuit-over-cambridge-analytica-scandal-avoids-testifying
A new study by Kapwing shows that over 20% of videos shown to new YouTube accounts are AI generated, despite the company's stated goal to crack down on AI generated content: https://www.techspot.com/news/110735-over-21-youtube-now-ai-slop-report.html
More than 20% of YouTube's feed is now "AI slop," report finds
Video editing firm Kapwing highlights AI slop's definition as careless, low-quality content generated by computer applications and used to farm views and subscriptions or sway political opinion.
www.techspot.com
January 5, 2026 at 5:06 PM
A new study by Kapwing shows that over 20% of videos shown to new YouTube accounts are AI generated, despite the company's stated goal to crack down on AI generated content: https://www.techspot.com/news/110735-over-21-youtube-now-ai-slop-report.html
Tech giants, advertisers, and data brokers use your email address to track your activity across the Internet. That's why having features like email aliases are so important for your privacy. And there's only one private email provider who offers unlimited aliases to ALL of their users...
January 4, 2026 at 3:49 PM
Tech giants, advertisers, and data brokers use your email address to track your activity across the Internet. That's why having features like email aliases are so important for your privacy. And there's only one private email provider who offers unlimited aliases to ALL of their users...
This tool allows bad actors to track Signal and WhatsApp messages without a user's knowledge by weaponizing delivery receipts: https://cyberinsider.com/tool-allows-stealthy-tracking-of-signal-and-whatsapp-users-through-delivery-receipts/
Tool allows stealthy tracking of Signal and WhatsApp users through delivery receipts
A new tool named Device Activity Tracker exposes a privacy flaw in WhatsApp and Signal that lets attackers covertly monitor user activity.
cyberinsider.com
January 3, 2026 at 12:07 PM
This tool allows bad actors to track Signal and WhatsApp messages without a user's knowledge by weaponizing delivery receipts: https://cyberinsider.com/tool-allows-stealthy-tracking-of-signal-and-whatsapp-users-through-delivery-receipts/
Surveillance company Flock left at least 60 of their AI powered cameras exposed to the open internet, letting anyone watch or download footage without a login or password: https://www.404media.co/flock-exposed-its-ai-powered-cameras-to-the-internet-we-tracked-ourselves/
Flock Exposed Its AI-Powered Cameras to the Internet. We Tracked Ourselves
Flock left at least 60 of its people-tracking Condor PTZ cameras live streaming and exposed to the open internet.
www.404media.co
January 2, 2026 at 12:46 PM
Surveillance company Flock left at least 60 of their AI powered cameras exposed to the open internet, letting anyone watch or download footage without a login or password: https://www.404media.co/flock-exposed-its-ai-powered-cameras-to-the-internet-we-tracked-ourselves/
2025 saw a ton bad behavior by tech giants locking users into restrictive ecosystems, sabotaging their products, invading users' privacy, and forcing so-called AI into everything. In the new year, it's time for users to choose privacy and freedom, two values we've stood for from the very beginning.
January 1, 2026 at 2:12 PM
2025 saw a ton bad behavior by tech giants locking users into restrictive ecosystems, sabotaging their products, invading users' privacy, and forcing so-called AI into everything. In the new year, it's time for users to choose privacy and freedom, two values we've stood for from the very beginning.
Despite warnings of an AI bubble, a survey of CEOs from hundreds of publicly traded companies indicate that they still intend to bet big on AI despite no clear path to profitability: https://www.techspot.com/news/110653-most-ceos-ready-spend-even-more-ai-2026.html
Most CEOs are ready to spend even more on AI in 2026 despite no clear path to ROI
A recent survey by PR advisory firm Teneo shows that a majority of CEOs from hundreds of publicly traded companies remain bullish on AI spending over the...
www.techspot.com
December 31, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Despite warnings of an AI bubble, a survey of CEOs from hundreds of publicly traded companies indicate that they still intend to bet big on AI despite no clear path to profitability: https://www.techspot.com/news/110653-most-ceos-ready-spend-even-more-ai-2026.html
A right-to-repair nonprofit is paying hackers to disable firmware and unlock devices that companies have abandoned: https://www.techspot.com/news/110590-nonprofit-paying-hackers-unlock-devices-companies-have-abandoned.html
A nonprofit is paying hackers to unlock devices companies have abandoned
When Google ended support for its first- and second-gen Nest thermostats in October, many users saw their devices lose key functions. The thermostats could still adjust temperature...
www.techspot.com
December 30, 2025 at 3:50 PM
A right-to-repair nonprofit is paying hackers to disable firmware and unlock devices that companies have abandoned: https://www.techspot.com/news/110590-nonprofit-paying-hackers-unlock-devices-companies-have-abandoned.html
Browser extensions, which already have 8 million downloads, are harvesting users’ complete and extended AI conversations and selling them for marketing purposes: https://arstechnica.com/security/2025/12/browser-extensions-with-8-million-users-collect-extended-ai-conversations/
Browser extensions with 8 million users collect extended AI conversations
The extensions, available for Chromium browsers, harvest full AI conversations over months.
arstechnica.com
December 29, 2025 at 5:10 PM
Browser extensions, which already have 8 million downloads, are harvesting users’ complete and extended AI conversations and selling them for marketing purposes: https://arstechnica.com/security/2025/12/browser-extensions-with-8-million-users-collect-extended-ai-conversations/
After exposing his boss and fleeing to the US, this Chinese whistleblower is still looking over his shoulder as Beijing uses American tech to try and track his every move: https://apnews.com/article/whistleblower-china-surveillance-tech-silicon-valley-adbd0bcfbb0892bfcb85948acb3f515f
A Chinese official exposed his boss. Now in Texas, he's hunted by Beijing - with help from US tech
Retired Chinese official Li Chuanliang fled to the U.S. seeking asylum, fearing persecution from the Chinese government.
apnews.com
December 28, 2025 at 3:43 PM
After exposing his boss and fleeing to the US, this Chinese whistleblower is still looking over his shoulder as Beijing uses American tech to try and track his every move: https://apnews.com/article/whistleblower-china-surveillance-tech-silicon-valley-adbd0bcfbb0892bfcb85948acb3f515f
It's easy to send and receive email without knowing much about all the technology and steps at work behind the scenes. That's no accident! It's part of how tech giants trick you into thinking that your "free" email is secure...but don't be fooled!
December 27, 2025 at 12:15 PM
It's easy to send and receive email without knowing much about all the technology and steps at work behind the scenes. That's no accident! It's part of how tech giants trick you into thinking that your "free" email is secure...but don't be fooled!
AI labs like Meta, Deepseek, xAI, and others have received troubling scores on multiple safety indexes from the Future of Life Institute...with no single company scoring an overall grade above a C+: https://futureoflife.org/ai-safety-index-winter-2025/
AI Safety Index Winter 2025 - Future of Life Institute
The Winter 2025 edition of our AI Safety Index, in which AI experts rate eight leading AI companies on key safety and security domains.
futureoflife.org
December 26, 2025 at 12:30 PM
AI labs like Meta, Deepseek, xAI, and others have received troubling scores on multiple safety indexes from the Future of Life Institute...with no single company scoring an overall grade above a C+: https://futureoflife.org/ai-safety-index-winter-2025/
Whether it's Santa Claus or Big Tech, we know that you don't want ANYONE watching you 24/7. Here's to keep your Holiday plans and everything else away from invasive eyes, and enjoying time with your loved ones in peace and privacy! 🎄 🤐
December 25, 2025 at 2:13 PM
Whether it's Santa Claus or Big Tech, we know that you don't want ANYONE watching you 24/7. Here's to keep your Holiday plans and everything else away from invasive eyes, and enjoying time with your loved ones in peace and privacy! 🎄 🤐
How much is your average citizen ACTUALLY being surveilled? Who's doing the spying and how? How can you lessen your data footprint? This expert has important answers to these questions and more: https://www.vice.com/en/article/we-asked-an-expert-how-are-regular-people-being-spied-on/
We Asked an Expert: How Are Regular People Being Spied On?
From face scans, phones, and fingerprints to bulk data collection, here's how modern surveillance is reshaping (and watching) your life.
www.vice.com
December 24, 2025 at 6:05 PM
How much is your average citizen ACTUALLY being surveilled? Who's doing the spying and how? How can you lessen your data footprint? This expert has important answers to these questions and more: https://www.vice.com/en/article/we-asked-an-expert-how-are-regular-people-being-spied-on/